Ear, Nose and Throat

Herbal benefits of Echinacea

2005-03-17T21:28:00.000+08:00

Ayurvedic Concepts, Natural Skincare
Echinacea purpurea is an herb that has been used by Native Americans to trigger the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. Echinacea’s therapeutic properties are mainly derived from its two active ingredients: echinacosides, found in the roots and flowers, and polysaccharide heteroxylan, found in the leaves. It is extremely useful in increasing the body’s immunity to fight various diseases. It helps to fight the viral, bacterial and fungus infections. Apparently it strengthens the body by stimulating the mucous membranes, liver, and lymph nodes. It is now a recommended natural remedy for sinus infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, coughs, bladder problems and kidney infections.

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Eustachian Tubes and Ear Infection

2005-02-25T16:27:00.000+08:00

By DANIEL REMIN, The Herald Press
Ear infections are the most common reason children visit doctors,.. An infection of the middle ear, or otitis media, is the most common type of ear infection in children. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, an organization that represents ear, nose, throat, head and neck specialists, approximately 62 percent of children in developed countries will have an ear infection by the time they are 1 year old and close to 100 percent will have had one or more ear infections by the time they turn 5.
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The Bad Effects of Smoking

2005-02-25T13:14:00.000+08:00

from KHALSA NEWS
Smoking cigarettes, pipes and cigars is a risk factor for all cancers associated with the larynx, oral cavity and esophagus. The risk for these cancers increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and those who smoke pipes or cigars experience a risk similar to that of cigarette smokers. Heavy smokers have laryngeal cancer mortality risks 20 to 30 times greater than non-smokers. In fact, smoking and drinking alcohol are the two most prevalent causes of throat cancer in the United States. The risks associated with tobacco and alcohol multiply when exposures occur simultaneously: for those who both smoke and drink heavily..
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Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer

2005-02-24T23:47:00.000+08:00

by Kumaresh Krishnamoorthy
'Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Instead of dying they outlive normal cells and continue to form abnormal cells.

What is Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal cancer?
Oral cavity includes the lips and its inside lining, cheeks and their inner lining, teeth, gums, floor of mouth below the tongue, bony roof of mouth, area behind the wisdom teeth and the front two thirds of tongue.
Oropharynx includes the back one third of tongue, tonsils, tonsillar pillar, soft palate and the back wall of the throat visible to the eye. Any cancer, which arises in these areas, is known as oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer.'

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Dangers of RSV infection

2005-02-15T04:24:00.000+08:00

By Kathryn B. Brown, FNP, East Gregorian.info
'This infection can affect anyone, but infants are at greatest risk. RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways of the lungs) in infants and children.'

'in older children and adults, RSV is like any other cold virus, with mild symptoms — runny nose, sore throat, a little cough and fatigue — lasting a few days. In infants and children, RSV may start out like a mild cold, but the virus can move down the respiratory tract into the lungs and cause more severe symptoms.'

Lives together, beds apart

2005-02-13T07:38:00.000+08:00

by PAULA GANZI LICATA, Newsday.com
'While many older couples remain young valentines at heart, experts say, the increase of snoring, sleep disorders and stirring in bed often spurs partners to consider separate bedrooms. Hertz recommends separate beds or bedrooms for some patients, but stresses taking gradual steps to determine a solution. If the sleep disorder is just movement, as in restless leg syndrome, separate beds in the same room will work, she said. But if the disorder is a noise issue such as snoring, separate rooms may be needed.'
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What is Immunotherapy?

2005-02-13T02:44:00.000+08:00

from An AAAAI News Release
'Immunotherapy is an effective form of treatment aimed at increasing the tolerance to the allergens that trigger a person's allergy symptoms. The treatment is ultimately successful in up to 90 percent of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Immunotherapy also has been shown to prevent the development of new allergies, and in children, it can prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis and asthma.'

Rhinitis + Sinusitis = Misery!

2005-02-12T05:48:00.000+08:00

Health Tip: Rhinitis + Sinusitis = Misery, from AJC.com

'Those with allergies are especially prone. Although not life-threatening, rhinitis and sinusitis can make you just plain miserable.

The best course for preventing rhinitis and sinusitis, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, is to keep your nasal passages as free and clear as possible. This is particularly important if you have allergies.'